THIS WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL EVENT! Before the event itself, I got a handwritten note from the race organizers thanking me for the my registration and including a few coupons.

The race expo was well stocked and the gear was super attractive. I did something I never do and actually bought a visor for the race. Volunteers at the expo and on race morning were plentiful knew the location of port a potties, so were great as far as I was concerned. There were plenty of toilets. Gear check was efficient and easy.

Field of runners was reasonably busy for the first 3 miles, but the only point at which I felt I had to weave around runners was in the first half-mile or so.

This course is pancake flat for anyone other than a Florida-only runner. I did review the elevation map in advance, but other than the uphill and downhill (very short) onto/out of SE 1st/Central, hills were minimal. The bridge on to Snell Isle might be considered a little hill if of concern.

There were so many well-stocked hydration/nutrition stations. I positively intended to steal food but didn't.

Great finish line - you can see it from probably .3 miles away. Once you cross, you get your tumbler full of water and on to the post race party. The lines for food and massages and all the good stuff were very reasonable.

Packet pickup was easy. The race expo was small but well-stocked. I really like my race t-shirt. Well-designed with thumbholes.

Because this race is during offseason in MDI, it was a snap to get hotel reservations with a decent view, to grab dinner and to park near the starting line on race morning. Race morning was cold, so be prepared to potentially discard clothes (or ideally have someone meet you to pick them up).

I don't have anything to add to what has already been said about the course. My favorite parts were Soamesville and running along Soames sound. None of the hills were shockingly steep. Any extreme grades were at the beginning - by the end of the race, the hills just felt like a manageable slog. The hydration stations were well stocked and were at regular intervals (every 2?) along the course.

I loved this finish line - it wasn't huge and I was able to wait for a friend who was running. I personally thought the after race party and food were great. I liked being right downtown in NE Harbor.

Title is meant to damn by faint praise. By no fault of its own, I think this is a more brutal run than it should be. I am not a Floridian, though. As a repeat entrant to this distance and the 5k over the last 10 years, this race is difficult for me because it's usually warmer and muggier than I expect. The field is crowded the whole way through and it's an out-and-back, which kinda makes the scenery less exciting.

The thing I have to give the race is that the experience is great every year. The organizers and participants are excited about this event. Lots of businesses and friends bring teams. This event always has the best t-shirt and swag! And the expo is huge.